LaCommunidad receives immigrant care health grant

KENNETT SQUARE – La Comunidad Hispana has received a federal grant of $582,472 to continue and enhance health care services.

“This award will allow La Comunidad to expand services and meet our goals of providing health care for immigrants and low-income residents in Chester County,” said Alice Moorhead, chairwoman of the group’s board of directors. “We have proved over the years that we give quality service. Our staff is commended for all of its great work in securing this award.

The U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration made the allocation.

According to Margarita Queralt Mirkil, executive director of La Comunidad, the organization will now be able to operate as a Federally Qualified Health Center. The designation will allow La Comunidad to significantly expand services to a greater number of low-income and vulnerable populations served in Southern Chester County. La Comunidad is expected to double patient volume by 2014.

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“Furthermore, the designation also serves as the catalyst for increased operational efficiencies that will enhance all aspects of our care and services in Southern Chester County,” said Mirkil.

The award is for the period from June 1, 2012 to April 30, 2014 will be for project costs. The second year of the award will be $643,986, subject to the availability of funds and satisfactory progress of the project, the award notification stated.

“The (award) is a major boost to (La Comunidad),” Mirkil said. “We will utilize the funding to reach out and serve a segment of the population that needs assistance.”

La Comunidad offers a number of medical services provided by nurse practitioners. The Health Center provides primary, urgent, and prenatal care to about 2,000 individuals each year, without regard to their ability to pay. La Comunidad also focuses on preventive care, both among their patients and in their community outreach programs. A care manager, health educator, and social services staff aid in both direct care and health outreach programs.

“We have been working for many years so that we can offer quality health services to the people in this area and remove the barriers many face when trying to get care,” said Michele Tucker, board member and former chairwoman. “Receiving the federal designation will definitely help us to meet those goals. Our nurse-managed center was recently recognized as a Level 2 Patient-Centered Medical Home. We are honored to be recognized for our efforts to provide a positive patient experience of high quality at a reasonable cost. We thank all of those who have helped to make this possible and continue to support us.”

La Comunidad opened its Health Center in 1985 as a single, nurse-managed clinic. Today it provides health, social, adult educational services, and primary health care for people who are uninsured, isolated or medically vulnerable.

La Comunidad Hispana was established in 1973 as a community-based nonprofit organization to empower more than 5,000 immigrants and low-income residents in Chester County to stay healthy, build strong families and lead productive, fulfilling live. La Comunidad is a bilingual, bicultural agency that reflects the community it serves. For more information, go to www.lacomunidadhispana.org, or call 610-444-7550.

About the Author

Sara Mosqueda-Fernandez os the Daily Local News' reporter that covers all things Downingtown and its local school district. A transplant to Chester County, she also keeps an eye on environmental issues in the area. Reach the author at smfernandez@dailylocal.com
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